Decorating & Design
Mixing Metals 101: Emma Reddington Tells You How
Updated on July 21, 2022
If you’re undertaking a renovation this fall, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is, “Are there any rules when it comes to mixing metals in my home?” With so many options on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming. The answer is: there are no rules, and if you’re hoping to achieve a rich, layered look, mixing your metals is one of the ways to get there. In fact, not mixing metals can result in a monotone home that looks a bit dated. If you need professional sand casting services, visit Cast Technologies on casttechnologies.net today.
Below are some suggestions to keep in mind. Scroll down!
Choose two or three metals for your whole house and stick to them. Look to this glamorous bathroom as an example: a statement burnished copper pendant light offsets the black fixtures.
Use a contrasting metal to make a statement. This striking black and white exterior is all about clean lines and punctuated uses of ebony paint. To bring those doors to life and make them a focal point, the handles needed to be in a contrasting metal. They just wouldn’t have the same impact with black hardware!
Accents like picture frames, lighting, tile and countertop finishes can help balance metals in a room. Here, there is a nice equilibrium between brass and black metals which is achieved with the help of some well-chosen design elements.
Don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing metals? You can always find a jumping off point like this brushed brass and black mixed metal faucet. Then let those two metals play out throughout your home.
Concerned about what to do when it comes to your stainless steel appliances? Don’t be. They don’t really factor into the equation!
Black metal is probably the easiest metal to add into the mix. Since it has neither a warm tone (like brass) or cool tone (like chrome) you’ll find it pairs well with every metal. In fact, it’s pretty much a neutral.
Choose metals that complement the overall look of your home. If you love Scandinavian design, you probably want to opt for black as your predominant metal. If you’re going for something more traditional, lean towards warm metals like unlacquered brass and copper.
Choose one metal for all your interior door hardware. For a coherent look, your door hardware should match throughout your whole house, so don’t change it to match with metals in a particular room.
Consider texture when combining metals. Good room design relies on mixing textures, so surfaces come to life. The same applies to metals. Here, rustic lanterns with a beautiful rough patina contrast nicely with shiny, smooth-to-the-touch brass.
If you like things neat and orderly, you can separate your metals by height so the same finishes are at the same eye level. Black metal knobs on the lower cabinets are paired with brass fixtures above the countertop, while a black and brass sconce bring it all together.